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TxLx Resources  >  New Learning Models Library  >  Grand Rapids Public Museum School, Grand Rapids, MI

New Learning Models Library

Grand Rapids Public Museum School, Grand Rapids, MI

This unique high school is located in a renovated historic downtown museum building and now connects to the Grand Rapids Public Museum archives, allowing students to use and explore more than 250,000 cultural and historic artifacts. Students also help museum staff collect, process, and curate new materials in a design lab, and help design and update existing exhibits. With the broader goal of civic engagement and community stewardship, students choose projects that contribute to the improvement of the community. At the core of the team’s work is a simple idea: disengaged learners are more likely to become disengaged citizens and the Grand Rapids community can change that trajectory by immersing students in engaging learning experiences.

School Type

Choice School

School Context

Small Size, Middle School, High School, Urban, Member of XQ Network

Dimensions

  • Outcomes: Leverage the city's resources to deepen learning; College plan for every student
  • Learning Experience: Place-based; Client connected; Design thinking; Located in active and renovated museum
  • Competency & Credentialing: CBE with XQ Learner Goal alignment; extended transcript starting next year.
  • Wellness: Advisory; Postsecondary planning; Social-emotional competencies
  • Equity: 61% free/reduced price lunch
  • Professional Learning: Teacher leadership with personalized learning support
  • Strategy: XQ Grantee; MS feeder; Strong district relationship; School's model is viewed as pilot that will influence district planning and practices
  • Partnerships: Grand Rapids Public Schools; Grand Rapids Public Museum, Kendall College of Art and Design; Grand Valley State University; City of Grand Rapids; Downtown Grand Rapids
  • Technology: Schoology

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Submit Your Feedback and Recommendations

These resources have been vetted by the project’s partner organizations. While this list highlights a diverse set of models, we know there are more innovative models around the nation. We’d love to hear about yours!

Email info@txlx.org with your suggestions!

"Texas Rural Education Association supports and collaborates with school districts in order to promote positive public education efforts. We are appreciative for these services that benefit and advocate for rural schools."

Bill Tarleton, Executive Director, Texas Rural Education Association

"Friends of Texas Public Schools know that great things happen in Texas public schools, every single day; even in a pandemic! We are thankful for resources like this that help public schools prepare for whatever the future holds."

Jennifer Storm, Executive Director, Friends of Texas Public Schools

"TABSE supports the TxLx initiative which focuses on equity and provides access to all learners."

Dr. David Harris, President of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators